Manhattan Bike Accident

Whether the accident is between a bike and a motor vehicle, a bike and a pedestrian, or if the bicycle accident was caused for some other reason, there is a good chance that the bicyclist will suffer a serious injury. Because New York does not require people over the age of 14 to wear helmets bicyclists often do not wear them. This leaves the bicyclist's body completely unprotected. As a consequence a bike accident can leave a bicyclist with serious injuries that can include a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or broken bone. The use of bicycles has grown steadily in recent years as people seek to avoid heavy traffic, avoid paying the high costs of fuel, and find ways to stay fit. New York lawmakers have made it a priority to make cycling safer for bicyclists as well as for motorists and pedestrians, and to decrease the risk of bicycle-related injuries and deaths. However, bike accidents remain all too frequent facts of life in Manhattan. If you were injured in a bike accident do not hesitate to contact an experienced Manhattan bike accident lawyer who is familiar with not only personal injury law, but the specific rules that apply to bicycling.

Common causes of bike accidents

While bike accidents happen for a variety of reasons, in many cases that occur because another person such as the driver of a car, was negligent. Examples of some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:

• Failure to yield. Failure of car or truck drivers to yield right-of-way to bicyclist
• Negligent turns. Failure of car drivers to check for bicyclists before making a turn at an intersection
• Running through red lights. Failure of car drivers to stop at a stop sign or red light
• Dooring. Car or truck drivers failing to look before opening the door, and as a result the bicyclist collides with the door.

Hypothetical

Harold, a seasoned bicyclist, was riding his bike on a residential street in Manhattan, when Priscilla, who was driving an SUV rear-ended Harold when he had stopped at a stop sign. At the time of the collision Priscilla was talking on her cell phone. Harold suffered several serious injuries including broken bones in his arms and legs. Because of his injuries Harold was not able to return to work as an architect while his arms were immobilized.

Compensable damages

The law recognizes that victims of serious injuries often face serious financial challenges due to the medical bills. For fairness, the law allows victims of bike accidents to shift the financial burden to the individual who caused the accident. By filing a personal injury claim against the person who caused your accidents, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills. When filing you claim for damages you have the right to request payment for both your past medical bills and future medical bills. At the time you file your claim you may still be in the process of receiving treatment for your injuries. With certain injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, your treatment may be lifelong. Thus, it is critical to demand damages for your estimated future medical bills.
• Lost income. Another loss that you will undoubtedly face is a drop in income because you are unable to work. Bike accident injuries such as broken bones, and head and back injuries may make it impossible for you to return to work right away. In order to avoid facing financial ruin, you can demand that the negligent party compensate you for the income you lost because you were recovering from your bike accident injuries.
• Pain and suffering. Losses that you suffer in an accident are not only economic losses for which you can pinpoint exact dollar amount. Other losses are related to the pain, chronic symptoms, disfigurement, and other emotional suffering that you experience as a result of the injuries you suffered in the bike accident.
• Property loss. This includes compensation for damage to your bike and any other property damaged or destroyed in the accident.
• Wrongful death. If a loved one was killed in a bike accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a specific type of personal injury claim called a wrongful death claim.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

If you were injured in a bike accident because of another person's negligence, it is important that you are represented by an experienced bike attorney. Contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims from people injured in bike accidents as well as motorcycle accidents and car accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.